Navigating the challenges of parenting a young adult is a delicate balancing act. Gently guiding their transition from adolescence into adulthood while helping them deal with new responsibilities, emotional growth, and the stress of finding one's place in the world. For many families, these years are particularly tumultuous, marked by intense emotional experiences, identity exploration, and the pressures of academic, social, and career expectations. These challenges get compounded when your loved one is struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse - a combination clinically referred to as a dual-diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. In this blog, we’ll explore what co-occurring disorders are, why they occur, and how Momentum Recovery offers comprehensive dual-diagnosis treatment that addresses the unique needs of young adults.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
Co-occurring disorders refer to the simultaneous presence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in the same individual. This dual diagnosis is common in young adults, who may struggle with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or trauma, alongside substance use issues involving alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications.
The relationship between mental health and substance use is bidirectional: mental health challenges can lead to substance use as a form of self-medication, and conversely, substance use can exacerbate or trigger mental health symptoms. For example, a young adult suffering from anxiety may use alcohol or marijuana to cope with their symptoms. Over time, however, this substance use can worsen their anxiety, leading to a destructive cycle that is difficult to escape.
Why Do Co-Occurring Disorders Develop?
Several factors contribute to the development of co-occurring disorders in young adults:
Genetic Vulnerability: Genetics play a significant role in both mental health and addiction. A family history of mental illness or substance use disorder can increase the likelihood that a young adult will develop these issues.
Environmental Stressors: Trauma, abuse, neglect, or significant life stressors—such as academic pressures, relationship difficulties, or financial strain—can contribute to the onset of mental health issues and substance use.
Brain Chemistry: Mental health disorders and substance use both affect brain chemistry. Neurotransmitter imbalances that contribute to conditions like depression or anxiety can also increase the risk of substance addiction, and vice versa.
Developmental Factors: Young adulthood is a period of significant brain development, particularly in areas responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. This ongoing development makes young adults more susceptible to risky behaviors, including substance use, and less equipped to manage mental health symptoms.
The Challenges of Identifying Co-Occurring Disorders
One of the biggest challenges in treating co-occurring disorders is accurate diagnosis. Mental health symptoms and substance use often mask one another, making it difficult to determine which issue came first or which is driving the other. For example, a young adult struggling with depression might use alcohol to numb their emotions, leading to an alcohol use disorder. Alternatively, someone with an alcohol addiction might develop depressive symptoms as a result of their substance use.
Parents often observe behavioral changes in their children—withdrawal from family, academic decline, mood swings, or a shift in peer groups—but may not realize these changes are signs of both a mental health issue and substance addiction. The overlapping symptoms can complicate the picture, delaying the recognition and treatment of co-occurring disorders.
The Importance of Integrated Treatment for Dual Diagnosis
Effective treatment for co-occurring disorders requires an integrated approach that addresses both the mental health disorder and the substance use disorder simultaneously. Treating only one condition while neglecting the other can lead to poor outcomes, as untreated mental health symptoms may drive relapse, and ongoing substance use can undermine mental health treatment.
At Momentum Recovery, we understand the complexity of co-occurring disorders in young adults and offer comprehensive dual-diagnosis treatment that includes:
- Comprehensive Assessment: A thorough evaluation is conducted to identify the specific mental health and substance use issues affecting the individual. This assessment helps create a personalized treatment plan tailored to the unique needs of each young adult.
- Integrated Therapy: Evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and trauma-informed care, are used to address both mental health symptoms and substance use. These therapies help young adults develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve emotional regulation, and build resilience against triggers for substance use.
- Medication Management: When appropriate, medication may be prescribed to manage mental health symptoms, reduce cravings, or stabilize mood. Medication management is closely monitored to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- Holistic Support: Beyond clinical interventions, Momentum Recovery emphasizes the importance of holistic care. This includes mindfulness practices, physical fitness, nutritional support, and creative therapies that promote overall well-being and help young adults build a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
- Family Involvement: Family support is a crucial component of recovery. Momentum Recovery offers family therapy and education to help parents understand co-occurring disorders, improve communication, and rebuild trust within the family unit.
- Aftercare Planning: Long-term recovery requires ongoing support. Our aftercare planning includes connections to community resources, continued therapy, and support groups that help young adults maintain their progress after leaving treatment.
How Parents Can Support a Young Adult with Co-Occurring Disorders
As a parent, discovering that your child is struggling with both a mental health disorder and substance addiction can be overwhelming. However, your support is invaluable to their recovery journey. Here are some steps you can take to help:
- Educate Yourself: Understanding co-occurring disorders is the first step to supporting your child. Learn about the signs, symptoms, and treatment options available. Knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions and advocate for the best care for your child.
- Encourage Treatment: Gently encourage your child to seek professional help. Reassure them that co-occurring disorders are treatable and that they do not have to face these challenges alone.
- Be Patient & Compassionate: Recovery is a journey, and it may involve setbacks. Show patience, empathy, and unwavering support as your child works through the challenges of treatment.
- Set Healthy Boundaries: While support is essential, it's also important to set clear, healthy boundaries. Avoid enabling behaviors that could undermine your child's recovery, and encourage them to take responsibility for their actions.
- Engage in Family Therapy: Participating in family therapy can help you rebuild your relationship with your child, improve communication, and create a supportive environment for their recovery.
Dual-Diagnosis Treatment at Momentum Recovery
Co-occurring disorders present a significant challenge for young adults and their families, but with the right treatment and support, recovery is possible. At Momentum Recovery, we are committed to helping families overcome the dual challenges of mental health issues and substance addiction. Our integrated approach to dual-diagnosis treatment offers hope, healing, and the opportunity for a brighter future.
If you suspect your child may be struggling with co-occurring disorders, don’t wait to seek help. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive treatment programs and how we can support your family on the path to recovery.